Make a Plan

How might a disaster affect you? Could you make it on your own for three days? After a disaster, you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore, so it’s crucial to plan for the resources you use regularly, and what you would do if those resources are limited or not available. Additional planning steps should include:

Create a support network. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your Ready kit.

Inform your network of where you keep your emergency supplies and give one member a key to your house or apartment.

Contact your city or county government’s emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be helped quickly in a sudden emergency.

If you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.

Show others how to operate your wheelchair. Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.

If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage.

Wear medical alert tags or bracelets.

If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you.

Build a Kit

In addition to the basic survival supplies, a Ready kit should contain items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use on a daily basis and which ones you may need to add to your kit, or use our custom profile tool to create your list.

Specifically for the deaf:

A weather radio with text display and a flashing alert

Extra hearing-aid batteries

A TTY

Pen and paper in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language

Other items:

At least a week-long supply of prescription medicines, along with a list of all medications, dosage, and any allergies

Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries

Extra wheelchair batteries and/or oxygen

A list of the style and serial number of medical devices. Include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed.

Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards

Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.